Tribunal Manager

Job Description

Achieving for Children recognise these are unprecedented times, but we continue to build capacity to support our most vulnerable groups. To do this we are continuing to attract talented professionals to join us as we continue to provide OUTSTANDING (KingstonILACS Ofsted 2019) services.If you have the skills that will enable us to continue to enhance our practice and improve outcomes for children further, we want to hear from you. We are looking for bright, enthusiastic people who have the passion and the driveto make a positive difference to childrens lives. By recognising and championing strengths we know we can make a real difference. Its a genuine team effort in AfC. Thats why we want talented people, like you, to join us and help create a brighter futurefor children and families.About the roleWe are in a unique position compared with many other places as we have received significant investment in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Team; which has meant that we can now enhance and grow the team tocreate the specialisms it needs. The team is well established with a clear vision to support Children and Young People with SEND. The SEND Futures Plan is extremely ambitious and drives forward the activity amongst the statutory duties. This role is pivotalto that success and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you.As a Tribunal Manager for Achieving for Children, you will be responsible for: Leading and managing multidisciplinary professionals through SEND appeals and mediations, includingclose working with our legal teams. Constantly finessing the internal tribunal and mediation systems and processes to ensure that AfC and its partners and stakeholders make effective decisions, are well represented and have impactful outcomes. Determining,preparing responses to and representing AfC in appeals and mediations. Identifying and collaboratively problem-solving the strategic and tactical issues that might prevent casework from escalating to formal routes of appeal. Possessing deep knowledge of theSEND and associated legislation (Children & Families Act; Children Act; Equalities Act etc) and SEND caselaw. Managing and receiving support from an Assistant Tribunal and Mediation Officer.About AfCWe are a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by threelocal authorities (Kingston, Richmond and Windsor & Maidenhead), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.About youTo be a Tribunal Manager for AfC, you will be passionateabout making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people as well as demonstrating the following points: Experience of building strong partnerships, maintaining relationships and co-producing solutions to challenges across a diverse setof stakeholders. Minimising the risks to appeal and advocating the voices of those we are working with. Experience of representing LA cases at the SEN and Disability Tribunal and defending the appropriateness of the proposed service provision for an individualchild/young person. Experience of attending mediation and disagreement resolution meetings with parents and other professionals in an attempt to settle disputed issues without the need for formal legal redress. Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsthat are open, honest, persuasive and pragmatic, including excellent negotiation and influencing skills. Strong organisational abilities including: time management, creative-thinking, problem-solving and multitasking.About our benefitsWhen you join AfC youwill have access to: Positive and supportive working environments - We have a highly supportive working environment in which managers are challenging and supporting in equal measures. Positive work-life balance - Access to employee benefits and support formspart of our health and wellbeing offer. A competitive salary and access to LA pension scheme - Our salaries are benchmarked against other local authorities. A range of staff benefits and discounts managed via your own app - Staff can enjoy a wide range ofdiscounts on sports and leisure activities and everyday shopping through AfC My Place. Professional reflective supervision - Regular, high-quality reflective supervision which helps to build confidence is available to all. Strong Management - A strong performancemanagement culture, with an equally strong focus on practice learning is embedded across the organisation. A fantastic learning and development offer - A clearly set out and accessible learning and development pathway, offering an extensive range of trainingand learning opportunities is accessible for all. This includes funding for post qualifying courses.To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here.Start datesAchieving for Children have fixed start dates,candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.How To applyIf you would like more information about this role please see our job profile.Please apply online including a supportingstatement addressing how you meet the criteria for this post detailing what skills, knowledge, experience and abilities you can bring to the role, as outlined in the role profile.To request an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contactTroy Hobson at .ukClosing Date: 3rd August 2021Achieving for Children is an equal opportunities employer, this extends to welcoming candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children,young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and returnyour application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.